When Windows 10 was announced, we all thought it was the end of the road for Microsoft’s widely used operating system, this was far from the truth.
Microsoft has now announced Windows 11, the next and newest version of Windows. Announced in an event on 24th July, Windows 11 is faster, more secure, and more adaptable than ever before. Windows 11 features some design changes along with some new productivity apps and features built-in.
A new operating system with lots of change, should I be concerned?
Windows 11 is built on the foundations of Windows 10, the operating system you all already know and use. You shouldn’t expect much to change in the way of usability. If a piece of software works on Windows 10, it will almost certainly work in Windows 11.
Some of the most notable changes in Windows 11 are:
- The taskbar is now in the centre (although you can move it back), and has a slightly new look.
- Everything has rounded corners in an attempt by Microsoft to make everything look cleaner to the eye and more fluent.
- Microsoft Teams has new integrations and is now built-in; this means you can start a new meeting from a button right on the taskbar.
- Android apps can be installed on Windows 11 as well.
Windows 11 is also moving to an annual update cycle, rather than a bi-annual model. This means there will be fewer updates and less potential interruption to your day-to-day work.
What will happen to Windows 10?
Windows 10 is being supported until October 2025. At current, there’s no advice as to whether Microsoft will continue to release feature updates right up until then or whether the current version (21H2) will be the last.
What does this mean to our clients?
Windows 11 is going to be a great opportunity to allow everyone to get the best out of this new evolution of Windows. Once we have more information from Microsoft, we will be testing the new operating system and beginning discussions with clients to look at a rollout plan with the least disruption possible for their workforce.
The good news is, it looks like this will be a free upgrade for the vast majority of PCs that meet the minimum hardware specification.
If you have any questions about Windows 11, or the upgrade process please get in touch!
